Tips

Tips

• How to make the most of Windows Autopatch with Intune

  IT administrators can use Intune to manage numerous settings related to Windows OSes and business apps. The Windows Autopatch feature can automate and improve those processes.  Continue Reading

• How to enroll Windows IoT devices in Microsoft Intune

  Managing Windows IoT devices starts with the proper enrollment, and administrators can take advantage of Microsoft Intune's capabilities to unify endpoint management.  Continue Reading

• How to repair Windows 11 with an ISO file

  While wiping and reinstalling via a clean install is the simplest way to fix a broken Windows 11 desktop, an ISO file repair can help save some of the desktop's settings and files.  Continue Reading

• Understanding how the Copilot+ PC program uses AI

  Organizations looking to boost productivity for key Windows users should learn what Copilot+ PCs can offer and what workflows the features can help with.  Continue Reading

• Assessing the competitors of Copilot for Microsoft 365

  There are numerous generative AI tools that focus on enhancing user productivity, so organizations should survey the market to evaluate which product they should deploy and use.  Continue Reading

• How to fix Windows 11 desktops after CrowdStrike outage

  IT administrators had to jump into action after the CrowdStrike outage to recover faulty desktops. Learn how to use the Microsoft Recovery Tool to fix Windows 11 issues.  Continue Reading

• Understanding the use cases of Copilot for Microsoft 365

  Copilot is a powerful generative AI technology with lots of integrations with Microsoft technology. But the usefulness of this tool will be driven by enterprise use cases.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Copilot Copyright Commitment explained

  The copyright laws around generative AI-created content are still somewhat unclear, so organizations should look to Microsoft's copyright protections for guidance.  Continue Reading

• How to plan a Windows 11 upgrade project

  The process of an upgrade to Windows 11 -- or any new desktop OS -- is a massive undertaking. IT professionals must plan out each phase carefully and test the system thoroughly.  Continue Reading

• Comparing Copilot Pro vs. Copilot for Microsoft 365

  Microsoft Copilot takes many forms, but the main offerings for end users in an enterprise setting are Copilot Pro and Copilot for Microsoft 365. Learn how these offerings compare.  Continue Reading

• Understanding how GPOs and Intune interact

  Group Policy and Microsoft Intune are both mature device management technologies with enterprise use cases. IT should know how to pick between these tools or when to use both.  Continue Reading

• Comparing MSI vs. MSIX

  While MSI was the preferred method for distributing enterprise applications for decades, the MSIX format promises to improve upon the deployment process.  Continue Reading

• How to install MSIX and msixbundle

  IT admins should know that one of the simplest ways to deploy Windows applications across a fleet of managed desktops is with an msixbundle and MSIX files.  Continue Reading

• How to create a custom ISO for Windows 10

  A custom ISO for Windows 10 can make desktop deployment and installation much simpler. IT allows admins to including applications and themes pre-installed on business desktops.  Continue Reading

• 12 best patch management software and tools for 2024

  These 12 tools approach patching from different perspectives. Understanding their various approaches can help you find the right product for your needs.  Continue Reading

• When is Windows 10 end of life? How to extend support

  Windows 10 end of support is a critical date for administrators to know about. While the simplest option is to move to Windows 11, organizations can extend support for Windows 10.  Continue Reading

• How to edit a Domain Group Policy for a Windows desktop

  When IT administrators need to edit a Group Policy at the domain level, they can download the RSAT management tool and change policies from the local Windows desktop.  Continue Reading

• When does AD domain-joined Group Policy override local?

  There are several types of Group Policies that could exist for a particular desktop, so IT must carefully manage these different GPOs to ensure the correct policies are in place.  Continue Reading

• An 11-step patch management process to ensure success

  Following these steps will make patch management more reliable and less stressful and keep your software updated, largely bug-free and secure from cyberthreats.  Continue Reading

• The risks of failed patch management

  Some risks -- like security vulnerabilities and system downtime -- are obvious, others not so much. Good patch management also requires weighing the possible risks of patching.  Continue Reading

• Patch management vs. vulnerability management: Key differences

  Although patch and vulnerability management are intertwined, they differ in critical ways. It's important to have distinct tools and processes to execute both effectively.  Continue Reading

• How to deploy macOS compliance controls via Intune

  Intune administrators can use many of the same mechanisms to manage compliance policies for Windows and macOS desktops alike. Learn how to create those policies for Macs.  Continue Reading

• Creating a patch management policy: Step-by-step guide

  A comprehensive patch management policy is insurance against security vulnerabilities and bugs in networked hardware and software that can disrupt your critical business processes.  Continue Reading

• How to remove a device from Intune enrollment

  When a device reaches its end of life, IT needs to remove that device from any management software, such as Microsoft Intune. But there are several removal options to learn.  Continue Reading

• Guide to Linux patch management

  While patching desktops has some universal aspects across systems, there are specific Linux best practices that Linux administrators need to know. Here are eight important ones.  Continue Reading

• How to change a Windows device name with Intune

  There are several ways that IT administrators and users can change the name of Intune-managed Windows devices, but first they must understand the different types of device names.  Continue Reading

• How to create a local admin account with Microsoft Intune

  Local admin accounts can cause problems for Windows administrators due to their lack of oversight and privileged account status. Learn how IT can manage these accounts with Intune.  Continue Reading

• How to add and enroll devices to Microsoft Intune

  The Intune enrollment process can follow several paths, but one of the most common and efficient approaches involves Windows Autopilot. IT can set this up within Intune.  Continue Reading

• How IT can use the gpresult command to check GPOs

  When Windows issues arise, desktop administrators can use the gpresult utility to see what Group Policy settings are in place and which ones should be applied.  Continue Reading

• How to deploy and force updates with gpupdate

  Group Policy can be a helpful tool during the troubleshooting process. Further, refreshing a system's Group Policy settings with gpupdate can solve plenty of issues.  Continue Reading

• Top 4 unified endpoint management software vendors in 2024

  UEM software is vital for helping IT manage every type of endpoint an organization uses. Explore some of the top vendors and how they compare.  Continue Reading

• What to do when Group Policy shows an access denied message

  IT administrators might encounter an error message that states 'access denied' when working with Group Policy. There are a few different steps to fix a problem like this.  Continue Reading

• Find the best Windows 11 registry cleaner

  Making changes to the Windows registry presents numerous risks for desktop administrators. Find out when to tweak the registry and what tools can help with that task.  Continue Reading

• How to securely recycle enterprise computers

  No matter how an organization wants to retire a device when it reaches its end of life, IT must first ensure that any sensitive data on it has been properly destroyed.  Continue Reading

• Comparing Copilot for Microsoft 365 vs. GitHub Copilot

  There are significant differences between the various copilots that Microsoft has brought to market. Find out details about two of the most prolific copilots.  Continue Reading

• How to install and set up Copilot for Microsoft 365

  Copilot for Microsoft 365 offers AI-powered functionality to users, but there's more to consider before installing it. Data governance and licensing determine the setup process.  Continue Reading

• How to back up, repair and restore the Windows 11 Registry

  The simplest way to fix a broken Windows 11 registry is to restore a backup, but that isn't always possible. Find out different methods to fix a broken registry.  Continue Reading

• How to access and read Intune management extension logs

  The Intune management extension provides new capabilities for Windows admins, including the ability to track and analyze logs related to the management add-on.  Continue Reading

• Using the Intune management extension for PowerShell scripts

  Intune and PowerShell have a lot of unique management actions they can take, but with the help of the Intune management extension, they can communicate and manage more efficiently.  Continue Reading

• How to handle rugged device management in the enterprise

  Certain endpoint use cases require ruggedization to ensure devices aren't physically compromised. IT still needs to manage these devices, regardless of the OS or device type.  Continue Reading

• Compare rugged phones vs. rugged cases for enterprise users

  In use cases that require ruggedized devices, organizations can choose to go with fully ruggedized devices or standard devices with rugged cases. Learn how to make that choice.  Continue Reading

• How to restart the Intune Management Extension agent service

  When IT has issues with Intune deploying commands to endpoints, IT teams should consider restarting the Intune Management Extension to address lingering issues.  Continue Reading

• Deciding which AppleCare plan is best for the enterprise

  Apple provides multiple coverage and support options to supplement basic AppleCare, and it can be difficult to determine whether one will be best suited to an organization's needs.  Continue Reading

• A guide to Intune Suite licensing for endpoint management

  With the changes to the structure of Intune and the end of Microsoft Endpoint Manager, organizations will need to reevaluate their endpoint management licensing options.  Continue Reading

• Maximize PC lifespans with effective PC lifecycle management

  When IT departments set lifecycle policy for PCs and desktops, they will need to set the length of a PC's life for user groups. Learn how to calculate the ideal lifecycle length.  Continue Reading

• Evaluating the AppleCare Professional Support options

  AppleCare+ isn't the only coverage and support option Apple offers. IT should consider the different AppleCare Professional Support options, including AppleCare for Enterprise.  Continue Reading

• The role of Mac file and folder encryption for businesses

  IT administrators can enable the Mac FileVault utility across business files and data to provide an extra layer of security and meet compliance standards.  Continue Reading

• Is AppleCare+ worth it for enterprise organizations?

  AppleCare is a useful limited warranty that comes with all Apple devices, but some organizations should consider the benefits of additional coverage options such as AppleCare+.  Continue Reading

• Deploying Intune's Microsoft configuration manager console

  Organizations looking to deploy Microsoft Configuration Manager console must make sure to set up this platform correctly and should follow these steps.  Continue Reading

• How to build a plan for PC and desktop lifecycle management

  Comprehensive device-as-a-service plans and full in-house management are two options for desktop lifecycles, but there are plenty of in-between options that can be a good fit.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for a PC end-of-life policy

  Organizations that deploy PCs need a strong and clear policy to handle hardware maintenance, end of life decisions, sustainable disposal practices and more.  Continue Reading

• Does macOS need third-party antivirus in the enterprise?

  Macs are known for their security, but that doesn't mean they're safe from viruses and other threats. IT teams can look into third-party antivirus tools to bolster macOS security.  Continue Reading

• Setting up Windows 11 kiosk mode with 4 different methods

  Windows 11 kiosk mode offers improvements over previous versions for desktop admins. IT should learn these four methods and choose the best deployment for their organization.  Continue Reading

• 6 Mac antivirus options to improve internet security

  Organizations with macOS desktops under their management need to ensure their security products can support Macs. Review these six antivirus products with macOS support.  Continue Reading

• Should organizations turn on the native firewall on Mac?

  The native macOS firewall is off by default, so IT might wonder if it's worth it to set up the security feature. Find out how to enable the Mac firewall and why it's important.  Continue Reading

• Key Apple-native macOS security features for administrators

  There are lots of universal security controls that can apply to any type of desktops, but IT teams need to look at the specific features native to desktops such as macOS.  Continue Reading

• Comparing enabled and enforced MFA in Microsoft 365

  When managing Microsoft 365 authentication, IT admins may encounter the distinction between enabled and enforced MFA. Find out what those terms mean.  Continue Reading

• How to set up MFA for an organization's Microsoft 365

  To deploy MFA to an entire Microsoft environment, specifically to Microsoft 365, IT administrators will need to set up authentication via Azure AD.  Continue Reading

• Costs to migrate from Windows 10 to 11

  Each organization's cost to migrate to Windows 11 will be slightly different depending on existing licenses, so IT teams should be familiar with the associated guidelines.  Continue Reading

• 9 end-user experience monitoring tools to know

  The end-user experience monitoring market is chock-full of options that can be confusing to keep track of. Take a look at nine EUEM tools IT professionals should know about.  Continue Reading

• What does a Windows 11 license cost for business?

  There are many approaches to licensing Windows 11 along with other Microsoft business software and services, which can be daunting, but executives and IT teams can learn the basics here.  Continue Reading

• What do the different licenses for Windows 11 come with?

  Before organizations migrate to Windows 11, they must determine what the best options are for licensing. Learn about the choices to license via base Windows 11 or Microsoft 365.  Continue Reading

• Compare capabilities of Office 365 MDM vs. Intune

  Office 365 MDM and Intune both offer the ability to manage mobile devices, but Intune provides deeper management and security. Delve into this comparison of the two consoles.  Continue Reading

• 7 key benefits of mobile device management for businesses

  Mobile device management tools offer several benefits, like improved productivity and enhanced security, to organizations that use mobile devices for business tasks.  Continue Reading

• How to evaluate cloud vs. on-premises MDM, EMM or UEM

  Organizations should consider whether an on-premises or cloud MDM or UEM platform is best. Determine how to make the decision and, if that decision is cloud, migrate without issues.  Continue Reading

• How to enable Internet Explorer mode on Microsoft Edge

  Internet Explorer mode lets users view legacy IE websites not supported by other browsers, which can increase productivity and improve security for IT administrators.  Continue Reading

• How to successfully implement MDM for BYOD

  Implementing MDM in BYOD environments isn't easy. IT should communicate with end users to set expectations about what personal information the MDM platform can and cannot track.  Continue Reading

• How Windows 11 Print Management can fix printer issues

  With the Print Management utility in Windows 11, IT administrators can perform all sorts of tasks, such as troubleshooting user issues, restarting devices and much more.  Continue Reading

• 4 steps to troubleshoot Windows 11 network issues

  When IT administrators encounter problems with a Windows 11 network connection, they have plenty of options to fix the issue. Learn the steps to troubleshoot these issues.  Continue Reading

• How to fix Windows 11 when Secure Boot and TPM don't work

  When organizations consider upgrading to Windows 11, they'll encounter several unique requirements, including TPM 2.0, UEFI and Secure Boot. Learn how to handle these requirements.  Continue Reading

• 5 steps to identify and fix Windows 11 performance issues

  Windows 11 administrators may encounter numerous desktops with varying performance issues. Follow these steps to identify the root cause of the performance issues and fix them.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting the most common issues with Windows 11

  When Windows 11 administrators encounter an issue with a desktop without a clear fix, they should perform general troubleshooting steps in a specific order to minimize risk.  Continue Reading

• How to monitor Windows files and which tools to use

  Monitoring files on Windows systems is critical to detect suspicious activities, but there are so many files and folders to keep track of. This is where automation tools come in.  Continue Reading

• How will Microsoft Loop affect the Microsoft 365 service

  While Microsoft Loop is not yet generally available, Microsoft has released details about how Loop can connect users and projects across the Microsoft 365 service.  Continue Reading

• 7 steps to fix a black screen in Windows 11

  A black screen can be a symptom of several issues with a Windows 11 desktop. Knowing where to look for the source of the problem can simplify the troubleshooting process.  Continue Reading

• How Windows 11 Safe Mode works and when to use it

  Windows 11 desktops can run into problems that don't have a clear cause. Safe Mode runs a pared-down version of the OS, making it easier to identify and solve system issues.  Continue Reading

• How to fix Windows 11 when it keeps restarting

  When a Windows 11 desktop keeps restarting, there are a few factors that may be behind the issue. IT administrators should understand all the possible causes and how to solve them.  Continue Reading

• Top 5 Windows 10 monitoring tools for business

  Users need unfettered access to all their apps and services to maintain productivity. Windows monitoring tools can verify the status of these components for IT teams.  Continue Reading

• How to perform a factory reset on a Windows 11 desktop

  A factory reset may be necessary when a device has performance issues or is set to go to a new user. IT can execute this process in Windows 11 while avoiding unwanted data loss.  Continue Reading

• An introduction to Edge Chromium vs. Edge

  The shift to Chromium has improved several aspects of Microsoft's Edge browser -- from privacy settings to reliability.  Continue Reading

• The role of Windows log monitoring in the enterprise

  Whether organizations automate their log monitoring within Windows desktops or inspect them manually, logs can offer IT administrators valuable insight.  Continue Reading

• Comparing web browser privacy and security features

  While the four most common browsers -- Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari -- have largely the same feature sets, there are subtle differences when it comes to privacy and security.  Continue Reading

• Comparing RAM usage across common web browsers

  While there are plenty of similarities across web browsers, the processes that they consume RAM with can greatly differ. This may be critical information for some IT teams.  Continue Reading

• How to choose a PCaaS vendor

  The PC-as-a-service and device-as-a-service market is still developing and maturing, so organizations should learn who the major vendors are and how these services work.  Continue Reading

• The Windows 11 system requirements and what they indicate

  When organizations consider upgrading to Windows 11, they need to compare the Windows 11 system requirements to their existing hardware before making the move.  Continue Reading

• Windows 11 upgrade issues that desktop admins should know

  Windows upgrades have caused numerous issues in the past, and the move to Windows 11 is no exception. Learn what problems IT can expect during a migration to Windows 11.  Continue Reading

• Windows 11 migration tools for desktop administrators

  While there are plenty of approaches to a Windows 11 migration, IT should plan out the process carefully and ensure they have the right tools and products to support it.  Continue Reading

• Completing a migration to Windows 11 with Microsoft Intune

  When IT administrators plan the switch to Windows 11, they may notice how similar the process can be to a Windows 10 update if they use Microsoft Endpoint Manager and Intune.  Continue Reading

• How to support Mac computers in Windows environments

  Organizations that support both Windows and Mac desktops must approach them differently, but there is plenty of overlap with the tools and practices they can use.  Continue Reading

• Comparing 8 desktop management software options for business

  Organizations that need desktop management software should survey a variety of platform types. UEM can often provide the most value and functionality in the enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Using Microsoft's Active Directory to manage Mac desktops

  Organizations with both Mac and Windows devices can use some of their Windows-focused AD setup to address macOS management tasks.  Continue Reading

• How to enroll and manage Mac devices with Intune MDM

  Organizations may turn to basic MDM platforms to help manage Mac devices in a Windows-focused environment. Often, these platforms provide just enough management.  Continue Reading

• 5 macOS management software options for the enterprise

  While Windows desktops are still the leading OS in the enterprise, organizations have adopted macOS desktops, and each OS requires a different management approach.  Continue Reading

• Windows 365 compared to Windows 10

  Organizations may look at Windows 365 as a clear improvement from an administrative perspective, but a traditional Windows physical desktop environment still has its perks.  Continue Reading

• Understanding the features of Windows 11 Enterprise

  IT admins considering a migration to Windows 11 should learn how the features of the Enterprise edition can benefit their organizations.  Continue Reading

• Key native features for Windows 10 security and maintenance

  Desktop administrators should look for Windows 10's native security features and architecture to establish a baseline of desktop security before turning to alternative tools.  Continue Reading

• 3 tools to check Windows 11 update compatibility

  Updating to Windows 11 isn't recommended for every PC. Tools such as PC Health Check assess whether a device meets the specifications and requirements to upgrade.  Continue Reading

• Use Jamf Pro's basic features for enterprise management

  While Apple devices are vital to many workplaces, they present unique management challenges. Jamf Pro is a device management platform that helps tackle Apple-specific challenges.  Continue Reading

• Explore Jamf's products and features for Apple management

  Apple macOS devices make up a significant portion of enterprise endpoints, and vendors such as Jamf offer tools to help organizations manage Apple endpoints securely and easily.  Continue Reading

• How to scan and repair disks with Windows 10 Check Disk

  Windows 10 Disk Check is an intuitive tool that can scan and repair hard drives to reduce the risk of total disk failure and loss of critical information.  Continue Reading